The Programming and Technical Assistance Unit was established in August 2006.  The unit was founded on the principle of quality improvement. The responsibility of the Programming and Technical Assistance (PTA) Unit is to assess programmatic areas of strengths and needs, develop related implementation plans, provide technical assistance on the implementation and delivery of evidenced-based practices and best practices, and to review the progress made to ensure youth are provided effective delinquency interventions and programming. Technical Assistance Specialists are sent on-site when referrals are accepted.  The Programming and Technical Assistance Unit is fully operational with a seven member team which includes five technical assistance specialists who are located throughout the state. 

The PTA Unit provides programs with a variety of services including, but not limited to:

Providing staff training on:

• Delivery of evidence-based practices such as Thinking for a Change (T4C) and LifeSkills (LST)
• Delivery of Best Practices such as the Detention curriculum Teaching Alternatives to Gangs (TAG)
• Effective behavior management strategies
• Effective group facilitation skills
• Implementation of evidence-based and best practices
• Effective communication strategies with youth (e.g. DJJ Basics of Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change)

Technical Assistance Specialists provide the following additional services:

• Facilitate evidence-based groups
• Develop program/unit action plans to implement evidence-based practices
• Assist with a re-design of the program’s behavior management system
• Provide fidelity monitoring of evidence-based curricula and complete final fidelity reports for program supervisors/directors and monitors
• Document progress of technical assistance provided biweekly and complete Cessation Reports for the Assistant Secretary and Program Directors
• Maintain records of the Department’s recognized qualified trainers and trained facilitators